<p class="legacy">Seven Models? Porsche Ponders New 928 and Mini-Cayenne
<p class="dateposted">Date posted: 03-25-2006
<p class="legacy">STUTTGART, Germany &mdash; Porsche's rapidly expanding model range could be swelled by two more new models by the end of the decade, according to German media reports, giving the German company a seven-model lineup.

It wasn't that long ago that Porsche only made the 911, but following the success of the Boxster roadster, Cayenne SUV and Cayman coupe, there seems to be no limit to how far the brand can stretch.

Now we hear rumors that the already announced Panamera four-door coupe could spawn a shortened two-door model, giving Porsche a successor to the much missed 928 luxury coupe. The car would be front-engined and powered by V8 engines with power output from 350 to 550 horsepower. It could be ready by 2010, two years after the Panamera, and would compete head-on with the Aston Martin DB9.
<p class="legacy">[img]/UserFiles/porsche928.500.jpg[/img]

Before that, there could be an even more extraordinary new Porsche, an SUV-coupe crossover that mates a 911-style body with a high-riding off-road platform. There's a precedent for such a car: Porsche has won the Paris-Dakar Rally with all-wheel-drive 911s in the past.

The car is likely to be a result of the continued cooperation between Porsche and VW groups on SUVs, a collaboration that has already given us the Porsche Cayenne and the VW Touareg. Porsche and VW are working together on a new SUV platform that will also be the basis for Audi's Q5 off-roader. The cars could be ready as early as 2008.
<p class="legacy">[img]/UserFiles/porsche.959.500.jpg[/img]

What this means to you: How long before Porsche makes a small hatchback and a midsize sedan?
<p class="legacy">

Edited by - mpollard on 03/26/2006 5:23:26 PM

oh man...you always beat me to it... oh well... honestly though, isn't the Porsche lineup getting a bit too buzy nowadays? I mean, they stuggled to keep the Cayman under the 911...and now tis...



Hopefully they won't become like MB one day (they have what, 42 models?)

Porsche has done a good job so far with maintaining their brand image. As long this continues with the introduction of new models then I am all for it.

If they introduce a Porsche mini-van, I am outta here!


[img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/crazy.gif[/img]


==RedEye

I agree!!! A minivan would be verybad for the Porshe image [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/whatchutalkingabout_smile.gif[/img]

People said the same thing about them making an SUV. Personally, I think they are going to dilute their identity.


Pe

Too many models is not a good thing. Ask general Motors.

I'd be first in line for a new 928.....a model they should of had in the lineup by now......but agree with some others......too much too fast is usually not good in the end run.

I certainly can't predict how this will pan out for Porsche, but as a business owner or shareholder, I would love to have Porsche's problem of figuring out how best to grow.


-James

Edited by - jbarrow on 03/27/2006 09:05:03 AM

How about Porsche Metro-mini's, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, vans, station wagons. So much for exclusivity.

Let's enjoy our Caymans while we can.

I wish Porsche AG would spend more time and attention on its existing Cayman product with performance improvements like a better engine and LSD and convenience improvements such as bluetooth or ipod integration, lights that shut off automatically when the car is turned off, a slimmer ,more reliable, key fob, standard auto climate control, and higher quality interior decor, instead of making so many new cars.

Wushuhsu,

I'll second that.

Me Three.